How Can an American Green Card Holder Visit Egypt
Are you an American green cardholder? Are you currently planning to visit Egypt? Then, you must know that you will be required to follow a proper process. Read on to know more. Travelling to Egypt or anywhere outside the U.S. as a green card holder might seem the same as travelling as an American citizen. However, the reality is quite different.
As soon as you plan your trip, you are met with the condition that your trip must be temporary and shouldn’t exceed a year. Plus, it holds a risk of your green card being revoked. However, something that adds the biggest challenge is the one related to arranging documents. You will be required to apply for an Egypt eVisa for green card holders or a traditional visa, understand the visa types, meet the requirements, and more. Managing all aspects is crucial for a successful trip.
What Are The Visa Requirements For U.S. Green Card Holders?
Well, before you proceed to apply for a visa or proceed any further with the process, you need to have a clear idea of a few things. This way, you become more confident in making choices and navigating the process.
Is a Visa Needed for Green Card Holders to Travel to Egypt?
Time to burst the misconception: a Green Card Holder is NOT an American citizen; they are simply granted permission to live and work in the USA. Only those who have a family member holding US citizenship or permanent residency, an employment-based visa, or are a part of any special category immigrant program are eligible for the Green Card.
On top of that, another important point is that an Egypt evisa or any visa is granted based on a person’s passport nationality. Hence, the Green Card has no part to play in this. So, unless you are a national from the visa-exempt countries of Egypt, you will be required to apply for the visa.
What Are the Types of Egypt eVisas?
There are many reasons why you might feel the need to visit Egypt. This is why, based on the different visit purposes, the immigration department of the country has designed a few different types of Egypt eVisas. Some of these visa types are:
Tourist eVisa
This is applied by those who are visiting the country purely for exploration purposes. This Egypt eVisa can offer two types of validity based on the number of entries that come with it. The single-entry tourist eVisa has 90-day validity, and the multiple-entry one’s validity is 180 days. However, the maximum stay-up period is the same for both and sits at 30 days.
Business eVisa
This visa is applied for by people who are visiting Egypt for anything business-related, like attending a meeting, conference, seminar, negotiating a deal, or even setting up a business. This visa stays valid for 90 days but allows a maximum stay of 30 days, so don’t exceed that to avoid harsh punishment.
Transit eVisa
This Egypt eVisa is applied for by people who do not intend to explore the country. Rather, they will just spend a few hours in Egypt due to a layover. The visa does not remain valid for more than 24 hours.
Other than these, the country also has other types of visas, like those for studying, employment, or even getting medical treatment. However, it is important to note that not all of them can be applied for online and may not be granted to citizens of all countries.
What Documents Are a Must when Applying for an Egypt Visa?
Applying for an Egypt eVisa requires you to use a few documents, like:
Valid Passport
One that is valid for at least the next 6 months and has got at least two blank pages.
Valid U.S. Green Card
US Green Cards only stay valid for 10 years, so ensure your Green Card has sufficient validity. Get it renewed before the trip, if necessary.
Passport-sized Photos
One that meets the requirements of the government.
Bank Statements
This acts as proof and tells the authority that you have sufficient means to fund for the visit.
Related Documents
Additional documents related to your visit purpose. Share travel itinerary in case of tourist eVisa and documents like invitation to attend a meeting, seminar, or other events, or proof of setting up a business for business eVisa. And for the transit eVisa, you will just be required to share details of your flight tickets.
What Steps Are Included in The Egypt eVisa Application?
Egypt eVisa’s application follows a simple process, the steps of which are:
- Open the online visa application portal.
- Put in the right details about you and your visit purpose when filling out the Egypt eVisa application form.
- Attach scanned copies of whatever documents are required (the necessary ones are listed in the previous section). Other than those, you might also have to provide a few more documents if required by the government.
- Pay the eVisa application fee by using a debit or credit card.
- Wait for the application to get processed, which should happen in about 3 to 5 days.
- Get the visa approval in the email ID that you have given.
- Have the online approval printed and carry the copies in person.
- Contact the Helpdesk in case of a delay.
Note: Apply for the visa early to avoid last-minute issues.
What Are Some Safety And Travel Tips To Keep In Mind?
Remembering a few safety tips will help you have a successful visit. So, some of the tips that you must keep in mind are:
- Keep the emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire department) handy.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly.
- Take the advice of local authorities seriously.
- Secure your valuable assets and documents.
- Do not engage in any political gatherings.
- Avoid traveling at night and stick to day or evening schedules.
- Get travel insurance to stay on the safe side.
- Book your accommodation at a reputable hotel in a secure area.
Checklist For Traveling To Egypt As An American Green Card Holder
Here, we have created a travel checklist that will simplify things for American Green Card holders with an Egypt eVisa.
Valid Passport: Requires definite validity for at least 6 months starting from your arrival date into Egypt.
American Green Card: Remember to carry your Green Card. This will help with re-entering America.
Correct Visa Type: Check if you're eligible for: - eVisa via Egypt’s online portal or Visa on Arrival.
Finished Visa Application: Ensure your application form is submitted and accepted before the visit.
Photograph: The ideal size is passport-size.
Accommodation Proofs: Documents for Hotel bookings or the address of the host in Egypt.
Travel Itinerary: Return ticket and onward flight ticket.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements of the recent time.
Travel Insurance: This is great for covering the cost of any medical emergencies during your visit in Egypt.
Currency: Exchange some cash for Egyptian pounds before arrival or at the airport.
Emergency Contacts: Contact details of the American embassy/consulate in Egypt are to be kept handy.
Know about the Culture In-depth: Remember to learn about the local dress codes, tipping practices, and laws of Egypt to fit in with the culture.
Confident To Visit Egypt As An American Green Card Holder?
Your trip to Egypt becomes as smooth as ever when you remain up-to-date with the requirements and conduct everything with sincerity. Once you understand how to apply for the Egypt eVisa or meet the requirements set by the country, then it becomes easy for you to carry out the rest of the trip. This way, the chances of facing an issue also become close to zero. Still facing problems? The Helpdesk is ready to solve your issues!
Securing a visa is important before planning an international trip. The Egypt e-visa initiative introduced by the Egyptian government simplified the process of getting a valid visa to enter Egypt. Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including Czech citizens, Brazilian citizens, Croatian citizens, Georgian citizens and Greek citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.